How many people really understand what MS is? Even those who know that MS stands for multiple sclerosis rarely appreciate the impact it can have.

MS Awareness Week (21 – 27 May 2011) is an opportunity for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust to help change this and encourage people across the UK to better understand MS.

MS affects approximately 100,000 people in the UK and two thirds of these are women. It is usually diagnosed when people are in their 20s and 30s and is the most common neurological condition affecting young people.

In MS damage or scarring occurs to the myelin sheath – a layer of fatty protein that protects the nerves in the same way that insulating material protects an electric wire.

This damage disrupts the way in which nerve impulses are carried to and from the brain and leads to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, bladder and bowel problems, difficulties with walking and pain or abnormal sensations.

MS is a complex and unpredictable condition, which varies from person to person and does not follow a set pattern.

Symptoms can come and go from day to day and there can also be relapses followed by periods of complete or partial remission.

This means that people affected by MS and those living with them feel that they have very little control over their lives.

The MS Trust is a small national charity committed to helping people with MS live well. We provide positive information and support to those living with MS to help them make the decisions that are right for them.

We also educate the health professionals that treat them.

If you know someone who is affected by MS you might be able to help them get the information and support they need to live their lives to the full.

See www.mstrust.org.uk or call 01462 476700 for more details.

If you are interested in taking part in any of our MS Awareness activities visit www.msawarenessweek.org.uk

http://www.thesourcemagonline.com/lifestyle/ms-awareness-week-2011